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02nd Nov 2015

8 reasons why Sonny Bill Williams is one of the greatest men on Earth

A bonafide superstar

Joe Harrington

A bonafide superstar.

New Zealand are the World Cup champions following their devastating display against Australia in Twickenham on Saturday.

The game itself will be remembered for Dan Carter’s final masterclass on an international stage, Nehe Milner-Skudder’s emergence and Richie McCaw’s last war.

However, Sonny Bill Williams handing his winner’s medal to the young fan during the lap of honour got the majority of the headlines across the globe.

So here are eight reasons we think Sonny Bill is one of the greatest men on the planet.

1. He’s excelled in two rugby codes

You watched him lift the Webb Ellis trophy for the second time on Saturday but he’s also one of the most decorated rugby league players in the southern hemisphere.

His spells with the Bulldogs in Canterbury and the Sydney Roosters were laden with trophies and personal accolades.

Many consider him the best ‘league to union’ convert ever. It’s not an easy thing to do; ask Sam Burgess.

2013 NRL Grand Final - Roosters v Sea Eagles

2. He’s a huge family man

If you follow the man mountain on Twitter or Instagram, you’ll know how important his family are to him.

Sure there are some rugby and gym photos but the majority are like these.

https://instagram.com/p/5Zw88ADR9t/?taken-by=sonnybillwilliams13

https://instagram.com/p/wih0RVjR5n/?taken-by=sonnybillwilliams13

3. He’s the offload King of his generation

He may have only started two of New Zealand’s seven games at the World Cup but he finished with the most offloads in the tournament.

It’s one of rugby’s most beautiful skills.

SWB offload

4. He shows love for the fans – no matter where they’re from

It’s seems Irish fans singing The Fields of Athenry during France v New Zealand in the Millennium Stadium made an impression on the Kiwi.

5. His attitude

The man has played at the highest level in rugby league and rugby union and an interview in the Sydney Morning Herald revealed his motivation to succeed.

Here’s a quote that gives an insight into Sonny Bill Williams and what it takes to reach the top.

photo_2015-11-02_11-30-57

6. He’s an undefeated heavyweight boxer

He started to box professionally in 2009 and his record currently stands at 7-0 with three KOs.

Here he is making mincemeat of Clarence Tillman.

SBW KO

7. He’s a reformed character

Like some top sportspeople, Sonny Bill has been through his fair share of low moments including a few drink-driving charges, an incident in a toilet with an Australian model and some more.

However, instead of going off the tracks, he turned things around and fulfilled his ridiculous potential.

photo_2015-11-02_12-41-15

8. That gesture after the World Cup Final

It will be remembered as one of the moments of the 2015 Rugby World Cup, the look on the kid’s face at the end is pure magic.

You will not believe what happens when SBW does something incredible at the end of this clip!!Thanks to our Brazilian friends at ALMA RUGBY for this amazing footage.Sonny Bill Williams All Blacks #LiamMessam Chiefs Rugby

Posted by The Crowd Goes Wild on Saturday, October 31, 2015